'Here I am with time - what do you want me to do with it?'

Published: Monday, March 4, 2013 at 01:47 PM.

Editor’s Note: This series recognizes people who make a difference in their communities. To nominate someone, call Wendy Victora at 315-4478 or email wvictora@nwfdailynews.com

Twenty-four years ago, Karen Tindall came home from a brainstorming session at her church and couldn’t stop thinking about it.

“I said, ‘OK God, I know my empty nest thing is kicking in,” she recalled. “Here I am with time. What do you want me to do with it?”

The next day she told the music minister that she had no experience, but felt called to help. That conversation led to the birth of First Arts, an affordable concert series at First United Methodist Church.

Now, more than two decades later, Tindall is in kidney failure and stepping down for health reasons. A farewell concert for her will be March 8 at the church featuring a jazz ensemble out of Louisiana.

Over the years, the series has featured everything from children’s choirs to classical music to mimes.

“All talent is God-given,” said Tindall, about choosing the talent for the series.

“Every concert night is such a gift,” she added. “It’s just been a treasure. I don’t want to give it up. But doors are closing and it’s the right time.”

Judy Arrowsmith, First Arts’ membership chair, called Tindall gracious, hard-working and dedicated. But it was her inner spirit and faith that transformed the concert series from a tentative idea into a rich, long-running legacy.

“When something happened and we’d think, ‘Oh my gosh, can we do this?’ she’d say, ‘I think we can do this,’ Arrowsmith said. “She was so positive that God would see us through.”

Also nominated:

Butch McKay: The executive director of OASIS was nominated for his compassion, dedication and tireless commitment to helping others.

Nellie Bogar: The executive director and founder of Youth Village has changed the lives of hundreds of children through her after-school mentoring program.

Bluewater Bay Winn-Dixie employees: Cashiers, baggers and other service workers were nominated for getting to know customers, making the store a fun place to shop and helping customers get through each day with a smile.

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Editor’s Note: This series recognizes people who make a difference in their communities. To nominate someone, call Wendy Victora at 315-4478 or email wvictora@nwfdailynews.com

Twenty-four years ago, Karen Tindall came home from a brainstorming session at her church and couldn’t stop thinking about it.

“I said, ‘OK God, I know my empty nest thing is kicking in,” she recalled. “Here I am with time. What do you want me to do with it?”

The next day she told the music minister that she had no experience, but felt called to help. That conversation led to the birth of First Arts, an affordable concert series at First United Methodist Church.

Now, more than two decades later, Tindall is in kidney failure and stepping down for health reasons. A farewell concert for her will be March 8 at the church featuring a jazz ensemble out of Louisiana.

Over the years, the series has featured everything from children’s choirs to classical music to mimes.

“All talent is God-given,” said Tindall, about choosing the talent for the series.

“Every concert night is such a gift,” she added. “It’s just been a treasure. I don’t want to give it up. But doors are closing and it’s the right time.”

Judy Arrowsmith, First Arts’ membership chair, called Tindall gracious, hard-working and dedicated. But it was her inner spirit and faith that transformed the concert series from a tentative idea into a rich, long-running legacy.

“When something happened and we’d think, ‘Oh my gosh, can we do this?’ she’d say, ‘I think we can do this,’ Arrowsmith said. “She was so positive that God would see us through.”

Also nominated:

Butch McKay: The executive director of OASIS was nominated for his compassion, dedication and tireless commitment to helping others.

Nellie Bogar: The executive director and founder of Youth Village has changed the lives of hundreds of children through her after-school mentoring program.

Bluewater Bay Winn-Dixie employees: Cashiers, baggers and other service workers were nominated for getting to know customers, making the store a fun place to shop and helping customers get through each day with a smile.